I’d rather have not known about the Sunderland lad tbh.
If we’d identified for a month window we needed a cover wide player and the best option we could do is at 10.55 try and get a lad who since March 2023 has seen just 9 mins of league football and 79 mins of EFL cup action, then that seems pretty disastrous to me.
Taking a wild guess, I doubt we wanted another winger but had something in place in case we lost one of ours at the last minute and needed to replace him asap.
Rumour of a Sunderland winger joining us but fell through at the last minute
At least part of the issue if indeed it is an issue with this window was that Jones wasn’t pressing the owners for reinforcements. He wanted the squad reduced in size and got rid of players he knew he wasn’t going to use but on the whole was content with what he had left. I think Gilbert being the exception, in a role that even the doziest of fans could see we’re were in need of. I’m sadly confident that we’ll lose Small in the summer and he’ll definitely be hard to replace. Just like every summer we’ll need to rebuild in order to go for it next season but how many times have we all said that.
I agree with your post but I'm not sure I'd call the summer another 'rebuild'. The only players out of contract in the summer are:
Tennai Watson Chuks Aneke Thierry Small Aaron Henry
It would be nice to be more like a normal club and not need 10+ signings every summer.
I’d rather have not known about the Sunderland lad tbh.
If we’d identified for a month window we needed a cover wide player and the best option we could do is at 10.55 try and get a lad who since March 2023 has seen just 9 mins of league football and 79 mins of EFL cup action, then that seems pretty disastrous to me.
Taking a wild guess, I doubt we wanted another winger but had something in place in case we lost one of ours at the last minute and needed to replace him asap.
At least part of the issue if indeed it is an issue with this window was that Jones wasn’t pressing the owners for reinforcements. He wanted the squad reduced in size and got rid of players he knew he wasn’t going to use but on the whole was content with what he had left. I think Gilbert being the exception, in a role that even the doziest of fans could see we’re were in need of. I’m sadly confident that we’ll lose Small in the summer and he’ll definitely be hard to replace. Just like every summer we’ll need to rebuild in order to go for it next season but how many times have we all said that.
I agree with your post but I'm not sure I'd call the summer another 'rebuild'. The only players out of contract in the summer are:
Tennai Watson Chuks Aneke Thierry Small Aaron Henry
It would be nice to be more like a normal club and not need 10+ signings every summer.
I think this is where a lot of my personal frustrations amongst the constant whining from our fanbase on here, on Facebook and to a much lesser extent at the ground come from. This is the most structured and planned we have been in a long fucking time, I honestly can't remember a season where we haven't been looking ahead to the summer with either half of squad out of contract or just not good enough. We're finally in a position where we could maybe build something sustainable, keep our best players around for more than 12-18 months & ultimately grow and climb the divisions. It's not perfect by any means but it's a damn improvement on where we have been for a very long time now.
At least part of the issue if indeed it is an issue with this window was that Jones wasn’t pressing the owners for reinforcements. He wanted the squad reduced in size and got rid of players he knew he wasn’t going to use but on the whole was content with what he had left. I think Gilbert being the exception, in a role that even the doziest of fans could see we’re were in need of. I’m sadly confident that we’ll lose Small in the summer and he’ll definitely be hard to replace. Just like every summer we’ll need to rebuild in order to go for it next season but how many times have we all said that.
I agree with your post but I'm not sure I'd call the summer another 'rebuild'. The only players out of contract in the summer are:
Tennai Watson Chuks Aneke Thierry Small Aaron Henry
It would be nice to be more like a normal club and not need 10+ signings every summer.
Small is the only one we really should try and keep of them, so yes, it's good that we don't have to get 10+ but on the basis we are probably 2 - 3 light at the moment, Zach comes back, TT probably gets sold, Leaburn gets sold and the above all leave (Small only stays if we get promoted, IMHO) and the 2 loanees go back - we will need 8 players if we are going to have the squad size and strength to get promoted.
Maybe 2 or 3 from the academy become main squad players, but we'll need 5-6 on top.
The general mood amongst supporters regarding the January transfer window is a mixture of hope, realism, and some cynicism.... There's a recognition of the team's needs, but also a concern about the club's ability to address them effectively.... Here's a breakdown:
•
Recognition of Needs: There's a widespread understanding of what the team is lacking, with many fans identifying similar areas for improvement. These needs include a goalkeeper, a left-sided centre-back (LCB), and, crucially, creative players.... There is also a call for pace in midfield and out wide.•
Desire for Quality: Fans are keen to see the club bring in players who can make a real impact, with a particular focus on creative players who can generate goal-scoring opportunities. Some fans are hoping for young, hungry players from Premier League or Championship clubs.•
Skepticism about Club Action: There's a general lack of confidence that the club will make significant improvements during the window.... Some fans expect the club to move out players they don't want, and bring in average loan players, or players past their prime.... There is a concern that the club may not spend much money4. One fan even suggests that they expect the club to move deckchairs, bringing in the usual inept PL loanees, or players at the twilight of their careers.•
Loan Market Reliance: Many fans acknowledge that the club will likely rely on the loan market.... There are differing views on this, with some hoping for quality loans from Premier League or Championship clubs, while others are wary of taking on "has beens" or players from certain clubs (like Luton).•
Concerns about losing players: There is concern that the club may lose valuable players such as Leaburn.•
Specific Player Concerns: There are some concerns about relying on loans from certain clubs, with some fans expressing that they do not like the idea of another loan from Ipswich. There is also discussion about moving on players, including Hylton, Potts, Asiimwe and Edun.... There is some disagreement as to whether the club should move on Edun4.•
History of Disappointment: Some fans express a sense of resignation based on past transfer windows. They believe the club rarely emerges from the January window significantly stronger. Some supporters feel that they know what the club needs, but that they will not get it.•
Desire for ambition: There are some supporters who express that it is time for the club to make radical changes that will cost money. Others suggest that the club should scout for individuals from North of the Border, players released from Academies, or who are in League One or League Two, rather than being transfixed with players with decent CVs.•
Cautious Optimism: Despite the skepticism, there is still some hope that the club will make the necessary changes to push for a playoff spot. However, the general feeling is that any new signings will have to be "spectacularly good" to make a real difference.
In summary, while fans recognise the need for new signings and are hopeful that the January window can improve the squad, there's also a sense of caution and a lack of confidence that the club will make the necessary moves.
At least part of the issue if indeed it is an issue with this window was that Jones wasn’t pressing the owners for reinforcements. He wanted the squad reduced in size and got rid of players he knew he wasn’t going to use but on the whole was content with what he had left. I think Gilbert being the exception, in a role that even the doziest of fans could see we’re were in need of. I’m sadly confident that we’ll lose Small in the summer and he’ll definitely be hard to replace. Just like every summer we’ll need to rebuild in order to go for it next season but how many times have we all said that.
I agree with your post but I'm not sure I'd call the summer another 'rebuild'. The only players out of contract in the summer are:
Tennai Watson Chuks Aneke Thierry Small Aaron Henry
It would be nice to be more like a normal club and not need 10+ signings every summer.
Small is the only one we really should try and keep of them, so yes, it's good that we don't have to get 10+ but on the basis we are probably 2 - 3 light at the moment, Zach comes back, TT probably gets sold, Leaburn gets sold and the above all leave (Small only stays if we get promoted, IMHO) and the 2 loanees go back - we will need 8 players if we are going to have the squad size and strength to get promoted.
Maybe 2 or 3 from the academy become main squad players, but we'll need 5-6 on top.
So not 10, but 8 however you dress it up.
Know what you mean, but if things go well Jones isn’t going to think we’re 2/3 light. It would show he’s got it about right.
The loanees could become permanents, another academy player could step up, Small and Leaburn could stay, Mitchell or Taylor return from their loans and become part of the squad.
Or it goes the other way with Small leaving, the loans not working out, no academy players step up and Taylor is sold.
It’ll probably be somewhere in between.
I expect it’ll be anything from around 5/6 to 9/10 summer signings. Jones spoke last summer about not needing as many in future windows, so I think he’ll be aiming for a smaller number compared to last summer.
At least part of the issue if indeed it is an issue with this window was that Jones wasn’t pressing the owners for reinforcements. He wanted the squad reduced in size and got rid of players he knew he wasn’t going to use but on the whole was content with what he had left. I think Gilbert being the exception, in a role that even the doziest of fans could see we’re were in need of. I’m sadly confident that we’ll lose Small in the summer and he’ll definitely be hard to replace. Just like every summer we’ll need to rebuild in order to go for it next season but how many times have we all said that.
So IF we get promoted, how many current players would we want to keep that could play in the 1st team? If the answer is more than five we are probably not ready to go up IMO
Morning all. Hey when was the last time we made a really exciting signing on deadline day. Not a player that eventually came good, but one that on signing everyone was saying wow-wee?
I think the real deflation is that neither signing seems like an oven ready ‘let’s have a crack at promotion’ type signing - more with an eye on the future
Can two loanees be for the future? Perhaps more of a short term solution
Just perhaps they are with a view to a permanent signing?
I know nothing about either of them, but hope they are good enough to be first on the teamsheet in a fully fit squad. That can only be good, and possibly push us further up the table.
Sounds like Colchester were preparing for the loss of Tovide to ourselves, may explain why they signed an abundance of attackers. DC speaks very highly of the lad here.
Been reading this thread without commenting, but feel the meltdown on here about not signing a winger is OTT.
Not signing a winger in a system where we don't use wingers is not going to make or break our season.
Lack of squad depth is the issue for me, if our key players stay fit for the rest of the season, I think we'll make the playoffs.....but that's a big if! 1 or 2 injuries to key players & I think we'll struggle
At least part of the issue if indeed it is an issue with this window was that Jones wasn’t pressing the owners for reinforcements. He wanted the squad reduced in size and got rid of players he knew he wasn’t going to use but on the whole was content with what he had left. I think Gilbert being the exception, in a role that even the doziest of fans could see we’re were in need of. I’m sadly confident that we’ll lose Small in the summer and he’ll definitely be hard to replace. Just like every summer we’ll need to rebuild in order to go for it next season but how many times have we all said that.
So IF we get promoted, how many current players would we want to keep that could play in the 1st team? If the answer is more than five we are probably not ready to go up IMO
This is a problem i would love to have. There’s never a bad time to get promoted
Typical Charlton wet fart of a window. Just a little bit more ambition, impetus, and we could of made a charge into the playoffs. This lot'll ultimately let you down, I still love em of course, but fucks sake, every iteration of owners, post Prem really boil my piss.
Been reading this thread without commenting, but feel the meltdown on here about not signing a winger is OTT.
Not signing a winger in a system where we don't use wingers is not going to make or break our season.
Lack of squad depth is the issue for me, if our key players stay fit for the rest of the season, I think we'll make the playoffs.....but that's a big if! 1 or 2 injuries to key players & I think we'll struggle
The term winger is being used loosely to describe what small and tc do, regardless of what position they are deemed to currently be occupying in whatever current coaching manual terminology it might be - they are responsible for taking players on and hence creating opportunities - they are the only 2 players in our squad who can do that - im happy that Gilbert looks like he may be an upgrade on berry but he doesn’t look like a ‘winger’ in this sense - im not happy that we are 1 injury away or loss of form from being back to playing with only 1 ‘winger’ type player and watching the stodgy 1 paced shite we put up with for the first 3 months of the season - that is all we are trying to say and we can’t all be wrong - fingers crossed we are.
Must have one of the smallest squads in L1 as it stands
Not sure how accurate this list is, as ours isn't fully up to date. We are somewhere around the middle until it's updated again.
We should be on 22/23 as the list says we have Z.Mitchell, Hylton and Aaron Henry. Of course Henry will still count even though he's injured. But the other two shouldn't.
After that's updated, we will have the 2nd smallest squad in the league after Shrewsbury and be on par almost with Stevenage.
I assume all the others are up to date as they've updated ours with Gilbert and we are doing business late compared to the rest of the league.
Seems pretty crazy to me that clubs likes Northampton, Burton and Cambridge are running 30+ man squads. They're not exactly wealthy clubs so what's the point?
Can we use the money saved in transfers to give small a new contract?
Although he is supposedly very happy at the club I have come to the conclusion that he is hanging on to see if we can get promoted. I think he wants to play in the Championship.
Which would be easier if we got promoted. Bringing in a few decent players that other teams are after is a signal of intent.....to other clubs & to our players.
Easier keeping Small if we are in the Championship next season. I'm pretty sure that's why he hasn't signed a new deal yet. Waiting to see where we are at the end of the season.
Another poor transfer window delivered by Scott consisting of focusing on cost-cutting. The majority of the teams around us showed significantly more ambition. Scott & Methven Out!
I was just searching through transfermarkt to see if there were any wide players that had been released in the January window, like Thierry last year,
Only two I could see that would maybe be helpful are Ryan Kent and Tyler Burey.
I can’t see Ryan Kent dropping down to League One and Tyler Burey, while once highly rated, had a fairly poor 10 game spell at Carlisle this season. He would be a fairly big punt, a bit like CBT after his Tranmere spell.
I was just searching through transfermarkt to see if there were any wide players that had been released in the January window, like Thierry last year,
Only two I could see that would maybe be helpful are Ryan Kent and Tyler Burey.
I can’t see Ryan Kent dropping down to League One and Tyler Burey, while once highly rated, had a fairly poor 10 game spell at Carlisle this season. He would be a fairly big punt, a bit like CBT after his Tranmere spell.
Another poor transfer window delivered by Scott consisting of focusing on cost-cutting. The majority of the teams around us showed significantly more ambition. Scott & Methven Out!
Depends what his remit was though? If the owners set him the task of cutting squad numbers, shifting some deadwood, reducing the wage bill and getting some younger players out on loan then they will look at it as a job well done.
Don’t normally like free agents but Joe Morrell could be worth a look. Decent option to come in for Docherty or Coventry
Hasn't he been riddled with injuries in recent years?
Had a horror knee injury last January which sounded more unlucky rather than him being injury prone. Just how well he’s recovered from that will be the deciding factor for any club. Played 27 league games before that in the first half of Pompey’s title winning season last year so his quality is clearly there.
Like you say though, no point signing a player for squad depth if he’s sat on the physios bench for all his time here
Comments
Maybe 2 or 3 from the academy become main squad players, but we'll need 5-6 on top.
So not 10, but 8 however you dress it up.
Recognition of Needs: There's a widespread understanding of what the team is lacking, with many fans identifying similar areas for improvement. These needs include a goalkeeper, a left-sided centre-back (LCB), and, crucially, creative players.... There is also a call for pace in midfield and out wide.•
Desire for Quality: Fans are keen to see the club bring in players who can make a real impact, with a particular focus on creative players who can generate goal-scoring opportunities. Some fans are hoping for young, hungry players from Premier League or Championship clubs.•
Skepticism about Club Action: There's a general lack of confidence that the club will make significant improvements during the window.... Some fans expect the club to move out players they don't want, and bring in average loan players, or players past their prime.... There is a concern that the club may not spend much money4. One fan even suggests that they expect the club to move deckchairs, bringing in the usual inept PL loanees, or players at the twilight of their careers.•
Loan Market Reliance: Many fans acknowledge that the club will likely rely on the loan market.... There are differing views on this, with some hoping for quality loans from Premier League or Championship clubs, while others are wary of taking on "has beens" or players from certain clubs (like Luton).•
Concerns about losing players: There is concern that the club may lose valuable players such as Leaburn.•
Specific Player Concerns: There are some concerns about relying on loans from certain clubs, with some fans expressing that they do not like the idea of another loan from Ipswich. There is also discussion about moving on players, including Hylton, Potts, Asiimwe and Edun.... There is some disagreement as to whether the club should move on Edun4.•
History of Disappointment: Some fans express a sense of resignation based on past transfer windows. They believe the club rarely emerges from the January window significantly stronger. Some supporters feel that they know what the club needs, but that they will not get it.•
Desire for ambition: There are some supporters who express that it is time for the club to make radical changes that will cost money. Others suggest that the club should scout for individuals from North of the Border, players released from Academies, or who are in League One or League Two, rather than being transfixed with players with decent CVs.•
Cautious Optimism: Despite the skepticism, there is still some hope that the club will make the necessary changes to push for a playoff spot. However, the general feeling is that any new signings will have to be "spectacularly good" to make a real difference.
The loanees could become permanents, another academy player could step up, Small and Leaburn could stay, Mitchell or Taylor return from their loans and become part of the squad.
Or it goes the other way with Small leaving, the loans not working out, no academy players step up and Taylor is sold.
It’ll probably be somewhere in between.
I expect it’ll be anything from around 5/6 to 9/10 summer signings. Jones spoke last summer about not needing as many in future windows, so I think he’ll be aiming for a smaller number compared to last summer.
If the answer is more than five we are probably not ready to go up IMO
I know nothing about either of them, but hope they are good enough to be first on the teamsheet in a fully fit squad. That can only be good, and possibly push us further up the table.
Not signing a winger in a system where we don't use wingers is not going to make or break our season.
Lack of squad depth is the issue for me, if our key players stay fit for the rest of the season, I think we'll make the playoffs.....but that's a big if!
1 or 2 injuries to key players & I think we'll struggle
Typical Charlton wet fart of a window. Just a little bit more ambition, impetus, and we could of made a charge into the playoffs. This lot'll ultimately let you down, I still love em of course, but fucks sake, every iteration of owners, post Prem really boil my piss.
Easier keeping Small if we are in the Championship next season. I'm pretty sure that's why he hasn't signed a new deal yet. Waiting to see where we are at the end of the season.
The majority of the teams around us showed significantly more ambition.
Scott & Methven Out!
Only two I could see that would maybe be helpful are Ryan Kent and Tyler Burey.
I can’t see Ryan Kent dropping down to League One and Tyler Burey, while once highly rated, had a fairly poor 10 game spell at Carlisle this season. He would be a fairly big punt, a bit like CBT after his Tranmere spell.